Anisimova rallies past Osaka to reach second Grand Slam final of 2025
Lead: Amanda Anisimova came from a set down to defeat Naomi Osaka 6-7(4), 7-6(3), 6-3 in an under-three-hour US Open semifinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium, earning her second Grand Slam final of 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Anisimova beat four-time major champion Naomi Osaka 6-7(4), 7-6(3), 6-3 to reach the US Open final.
- The match lasted just under three hours and was played under a closed roof at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
- Anisimova became the first player to beat Osaka in a major semifinal.
- She will face world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the final, a rematch of their Wimbledon semifinal.
- Anisimova has reached two Grand Slam finals this season (Wimbledon and the US Open).
- Osaka fell to 47-3 in Grand Slam hard-court matches after winning the first set; Anisimova finished with 50 winners.
Verified Facts
The semifinal opened Thursday night and ran into the early hours of Friday under the roof at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Osaka started strongly, breaking in the opening game and taking the first set in a tiebreak, 7-6(4), after a 6-1 run in the breaker.
Anisimova erased the deficit by capturing the second set in a tiebreak, 7-6(3), after swinging momentum with several timely breaks. She converted her sixth break of the match early in the third set to build a 3-1 lead and ultimately closed out the contest 6-3.
The American saved match points and held off late pressure to seal victory. Match statistics show Anisimova produced 50 winners and multiple decisive breaks; the contest spanned just under three hours on court.
With the win, Anisimova will challenge world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in Saturday’s final. The two players most recently met in the Wimbledon semifinal earlier this summer, where Anisimova recorded an upset.
Context & Impact
Anisimova’s run cements a breakout season: she has reached two Grand Slam finals in 2025 and has emerged as one of the year’s most in-form American players. Her victory over Osaka marks a notable scalp against a four-time major champion who returned to top-level form after maternity leave.
For Sabalenka, the final presents another matchup against an American opponent; this season she has already faced Madison Keys and Coco Gauff in Grand Slam finals. If Anisimova wins, it would be her first major title.
Broader implications:
- American women’s tennis: Anisimova’s appearances at Wimbledon and the US Open contribute to the rare feat of U.S. representation across major finals this year.
- Rankings and momentum: a US Open title would elevate Anisimova’s standing and consolidate her 2025 surge.
Official Statements
“Naomi is playing amazing tennis … After having a baby, to be playing at this level — it’s insane. She was really giving me a run for the final.”
Amanda Anisimova, on Naomi Osaka and the match
“It’s a dream come true … This has been a dream of mine forever — to be in the US Open final.”
Amanda Anisimova
Unconfirmed
- No outstanding unverified claims were reported from official sources following the match.
Bottom Line
Anisimova’s comeback over Osaka not only prolongs her breakthrough 2025 season but sets up a high-stakes rematch with Aryna Sabalenka in the US Open final. The match underlined Anisimova’s resilience and shot-making under pressure and leaves the title outlook open heading into Saturday.